Israeli Rabbi Warns of Alleged Iranian Attempts to Recruit Ultra-Orthodox Jews

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a member of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council, warned that foreign operatives linked to Iran may be attempting to recruit individuals within the ultra-Orthodox community for security-related activities.

In a recorded message released Saturday night, Cohen said he had been alerted by security officials to efforts targeting members of the haredi public, including requests to photograph sensitive locations or assist in transferring weapons.

He urged community members not to respond to such approaches and to report any suspicious contact to authorities immediately.

Cohen described the alleged activity as both a serious security threat and a moral violation, warning that even seemingly minor actions, such as taking photos of certain sites, could have dangerous consequences.

He also cautioned that those involved could face severe legal repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment on security-related charges.